When midnight Wawa runs get to be a bore, there are some other interesting and unique places to go around campus for a quick bite, a study break or for a change of scenery while hitting the books.
COFFEE: In addition to ubiquitous chains like Starbucks (3401 Walnut Street), here are a few more diverse options for grabbing a cup of joe:
Bucks County Coffee: This local chain, near Hill College House on Sansom Street, is comfy and quiet and features baked goods, as well as an array of coffees.
The Bubble House: Open late and owned and managed by Wharton graduates, this ethnic take-out/eat-in tea shop near 34th Street on Sansom is named for it's specialty tea with tapioca bubbles on the bottom. More traditional beverages and Asian-influenced desserts are also available.
Avril 50: Down the street from the Bubble House and billed as an obscure magazine and newspaper shop, this standing-room only nook also sells gourmet coffee, exotic teas, chocolates and cigarettes.
FOOD TRUCKS: Freshly cooked meals and cheap prices draw long lines of hungry Penn students and employees.
Along Spruce Street, the offerings include chinese, hoagies, mexican, falafel and fruit salad for the health conscious.
But perhaps Penn's most popular food truck is French fast food legend La Petite Creperie, located around the corner from the new Pottruck Fitness Center on Sansom Street.
LATE NIGHT HANGOUTS: When smokey frat parties get to be redundant, here are a few other ideas for weekend nights:
Cos¡: This funky indoor/outdoor coffee shop/bar/cafe in Sansom Common serves sandwiches, pizzas and both virgin and alcoholic coffee beverages into the wee hours of the morning.
Class of 1923 Ice Rink: This practice arena on Walnut Street near the bridge offers skating sessions until 2 a.m., sometimes free to students.
Cinemagic: With the last showing at midnight, this small neighborhood movie theater near 40th Street on Walnut has cheap student tickets and a sometimes eclectic mix of movies in addition to mainstream fare.
STUDY SPOTS: Dorm distractions often necessitate quiet study areas for serious students. Here are some places to check out.
Fischer Fine Arts Library: The distinctive architecture and intellectual environment make this old library Tom Hanks' reading spot of choice in the movie Philadelphia. It is quiet and there are reading rooms for those who prefer a spot of their own. Across from College Hall and next to Meyerson Hall, it's a convenient place to stop off to study between classes.
Rosengarten Undergraduate Study Center: Open 24 hours and referred to lovingly by some as "Socialgarten," the basement of Van Pelt Library is popular because of its convenient study tables and comfortable couches.
Provost's Tower: Just above the Upper Quad gate, this is probably the quietest place to study in the Quad. The Tower has long tables for study groups on the first floor and individual tables on the second floor. Bring a reading lamp, though, because skylights provide most of the light here.
QUALITY FOOD AT GOOD PRICES (And some bars):
Mad-4-Mex: Though they card for entrance by late afternoon, this Mexican restaurant between 34th and 36th streets on Sansom has good food and low lunch prices. It becomes a bustling bar at night, but makes for a refreshing and tasty substitute for dining hall lunches.
Izzy & Zoe's: Looking for a New York-style bagel with lox? This brunch eatery and take-out shop on 40th Street between Locust and Walnut streets sells bagels, deli sandwiches, soups and omelettes all day long. Call your order in ahead of time on weekend mornings or you may be stuck waiting on a long line.
Koch's Deli: Featuring four-inch thick deli sandwiches and typical deli service, people happily wait in the long lines at this 43rd Street stop with the prospect of perfect sandwiches at the end keeping their spirits up.
